Seasonlong events

19th Century Carolina Christmas, through Jan. 2. Smith-McDowell House, 283 Victoria Road, Asheville (on A-B Tech campus). House is decked in Victorian holiday decor. Candlelight tours available by reservation for groups of 12 or more for $15. Admission $10 for adults, $6 for college students, $5 for age 8-18. Call 253-9231 or visit www.wnchistory.org.

"The Polar Express," through Dec. 29, Bryson City. Read along with the story "The Polar Express" on Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Meet Santa, enjoy caroling, hot cocoa and a treat. Times and dates vary. Tickets start at $39 for adults, $26 for ages 2-12. Visit www.gsmr.com or call 800-872-4681.

Dec 7-13

"The Nutcracker," through Dec. 22. Flat Rock Playhouse presents "The Nutcracker" as you've not seen it before in a new interpretation choreographed by Playhouse YouTheatre alumnus Chase Brock. Tickets $40 with discounts available. Visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org or call 693-0731.

Festival of Lights, 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23, Lake Julian Park, off Long Shoals Road, Asheville. Held nightly, weather permitting, through the weekend prior to Christmas. Drive-thru light show with thousands of lights and more than 50 light displays. Dec. 5-6 for walkers only, 6-8 p.m. Drive-thru Dec. 7-23. $5 per car, $15 per 15-passenger van and $25 per bus. 20 percent of proceeds benefits Buncombe County Special Olympics. Call 684-0376 or visit www.buncombecounty.org.

Nativity Scene Festival, displays of more than 100 unique nativity scenes from all over the world featured from 1-4 p.m. Friday at Swannanoa United Methodist Church, 215 Whitson Ave. Free but donations accepted. 686-5284.

The Land of the Sky Chorus, a cappella quartet AIRE, and Randy Johnson Trio presents "A Season For Harmony," a holiday show of harmony and hilarity, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville. $15, students free. 866-290-7269.

Flow Gallery open house, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 14 S. Main St., Marshall. Several member-artists will be in attendance offering hot cider and sweets, guidance on handmade gifts and a kind of primitive gift-wrapping. 649-1686.

Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper, 1-5 p.m. Sunday in Hendersonville. Self-guided tour of six inns. Get a Christmas treat from each inn. $20 per person. Call 697-3088 or visit www.hendersonvillehpc.org.

Hanukkah Car Menorah Procession, 4 p.m. Dec. 11. The Chabad House of Asheville hosts a procession for all ages. Registration required. Participants line up at 4 p.m. at Chabad House, 660 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, and drive to the Renaissance Hotel, 31 Woodfin St. To register, call 505-0746 or visit www.chabadasheville.org.

Chanukah Live 2012, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Renaissance Hotel, 31 Woodfin St., Asheville. Hosted by The Chabad House. The Billy Jonas Chanukah Show and Grand Menorah lighting ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. Festival admission is free but tickets will be sold at the door for food and attractions. 505-0746 or www.chabadasheville.org.